Element
concrete, feature — By Blaine Brownell on March 19, 2010 at 9:00 amHycrete’s Element is an environmentally friendly admixture that integrally waterproofs concrete used in commercial construction. Certified Cradle-to-Cradle by McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry, LLC (MBDC), Element eliminates the need for external membranes typically used to waterproof concrete, thereby making the concrete more-easily recyclable following demolition. This approach can eliminate thousands of pounds of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), CO2 and non-renewable content. Additionally, the admixture enhances structure durability by protecting against corrosion of steel rebar.
In eliminating the need for a manually applied membrane, Hycrete Element can also save time in construction schedules. With typical membrane applications, contractors must often wait for the concrete to dry before a waterproofing sub-contractor can apply the membrane – even after rainfall and re-wetting. In contrast, Hycrete Element is dosed during concrete mixing and is not subject to weather delays.
Contact: Hycrete, Inc., Carlstadt, NJ, USA.
Find more information in Transmaterial 3.
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6 Comments
This sounds great, but the only question I have is what goverment, or city agencies will accept this product as a replacment to typical membrane applications. I know in my local area the city agencies have trouble accepting anything new.
I see this as a great addition to concrete to prevent moisture wicking which is a huge cause in microbial growth and indoor air quality issues as well as wood to concrete rot; but it can’t eliminate gross faults like shrinkage cracks, stress cracks, construction joints, and the like. This is where a dimpled membrane product shines. My question is how does it affect the long term strength of the concrete as it effectively reduces the water available for hydration.
As with so many products that are fantastic, I want to know the ball park cost premium – both over regular concrete and then the premium over traditional layered applications.